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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-10-14 Commissioner MinutesWEDNESDAY, October 14, 2026 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, with the following members present: Dean A. Horst, John T. Flannery and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Commissioner Horst presided and after calling the meeting to order, a Moment of Silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance, proceeded with the business of the day. On a motion by John T. Flannery; Seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. There was public comment from Valerie Jordan who recommended that the County consider publicly listing successful tax appeals involving public buildings on t he County agenda. She encouraged collaboration between governing bodies on tax appeal matters and cited the impact of significant assessment reductions, such as the Chambersburg Mall tax appeal. She also expressed support for conducting a countywide reassessment and voiced concerns about property blight in Chambersburg. There was public comment from Stanley Helman, a resident of Guilford Township and former member of the C h ambersburg Area School Board, who spo k e in opposition to a countywide tax reassessment. He stated that school administrators had discussed the need for reassessment thr oughout his tenure on the School Bo a rd; however, based on conversations with school directors from other Pennsylvania counties, he had consistently been advised that reassessments often resulted in significant increases in assessment appeals and related legal costs. He expressed concern that, in a d dition to the cost of conducting a reassessment, the C o unty could incur substantial expenses a ssociated with appeal proceedings. He also stated tha t longtime homeowners in modest neighborhoods could be disproportionately affected if surrounding development increased propert y values, potentially resulting in significantly higher assessments and property tax es. He cited residential areas near developments as examples of where this could occur. He further expressed concern that increased tax burdens could create financial hardship for resident s already struggling to pay property taxes and encouraged the Commissioners not to proceed with a countywide tax reassessment. Commissioner Ziobrowski thanked Mr. Helman for his service on the Chambersburg Area School Board. He noted that although they had not served together, he had served with He state d d concerns regarding countywide tax reassessment were well taken. There was public comment from John Jordan who questioned the expenditure of $27,000.00 for inmate haircuts and beard trimming services under the c onsent agenda, stating that he believed the funds could be better utilized to address other needs within the County. He acknowledged that his concern might appear minor but expressed the op inion that the cost was excessive. He also commende d County employees for their ongoing charitable contributions. He noted the upcoming presentation by the United Wa y and thanked C ounty employees, on behalf of himself and his wife, for their generosity in supporting the U nited Way and other community organizations t hrough donations and fundraising efforts. Commissioner Horst responded t o Mr. Jordan regarding the cost of inmate haircut and beard trimming services at the County Jail. He stated that, while he personally agreed with the concern, the s ervice was a mandated requirement that the County was obli gated to provide. County Administrator Carrie Gray clarified that, as described in the agenda item, inmates with available funds paid for their own haircut and beard trimming services. County funds covered those services only for indigent inmates. On a motion by John T. Flannery; Seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the consent agenda to include: Minutes from October 7, 2026. Vouchers in the amount of $374,896.58. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Cen-Clear Child Services, Inc. to provide independent living services at a rate of $23.88 per unit billed in 15-minute increments. Funding will be 80% state funded with the required applicable 20% county match t o be paid by the General Fund. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Fostering Success Boys to Men, Inc. for placement services at a rate of $399.38 per day. This will be 80% state funded with the required applicable 20% C ounty match to be paid by the General Fund. Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and Healthy Communities Partnership of Greater Franklin County to add the Why Try and Family Group Decision Making programs to the rate sheet and appendix A. Services billed at a rate of $18.00 per unit and will be 90% state funded with the applicable require d C ounty match of 10% to be paid by the General Fund. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Jill E. Scott, P.A. to provide in-home services for an average rate of $250.00 per unit. Funding will be 80% state with a required 20% county match to be paid by the General Fund. Amendment to the original agreement between the County of Franklin and Bryan Stevenson, signed June 17, 2026, to extend the agreement to June 30, 2027, and increase the maximum encumbrance from $9,600.00 to $19,200.00. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement will remain in full force and effect. Grant application in the amount of $2,000.00 to the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) and PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for the Franklin County Adult Probation Department to conduct Stop the Bleed training for law enforcement officers and affiliated professionals. Tech-mini grant funds will be used to purchase high quality Stop the Bleed kits for all trainees, ensuring they are equ ipped to respond to life threatening bleeding incidents. Distribution will occur upon completion of training session. There is no cost to the county. G rant award of $249,309.10 from the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) to Franklin County for the purchase and distribution of food among partner food pantries. South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) will be the Lead Agency for the County and will c omplete the required quarterly reports. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Scissors Palace / Gregory Steven King to provide barber services to inmates housed at the F ranklin County Jail, including haircuts, beard trims, and combination haircut and beard services. Inmates who have sufficient funds in their inmate account will be charged the applicable fee for the service provided. Inmates who are indigent and do not hav e sufficient funds will be funded through the Franklin County Jail Inmate Store Account. This is in accordance with County policies and procedures at a cost of $27,000.00. Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and Summit Food Services, LLC. regarding the service of inmate and staff meals. As outlined in the original agreement, the per-meal cost is subject to an annual adjustment. This adjustment shall be based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) - U.S. City Average for Food Away from Home, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The estimated cost for a year is $1,254,378.12. This will be paid by the General Fund. Adoption of Ordinance 2026-04 Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan and County Solid Waste & Recycling Transporters. The Board reviewed regular agenda items. Ms. Gray provided a high-level overview of each of the actions. Ms. Gray presented a revised job description for the position of Chief Registrar (Voter Registration Director). She announced that Jennie Annies is retiring at the end of the year following many years of dedicated service. To prepare for the transition, the j ob description was reviewed and updated to reflect current duties and responsibilities. She noted that the previous version had not been updated for many years and that Jenn ie A ines took the lead in revising the document to ensure it accurately reflected the position's responsibilities. She further stated that, through the review process conducted with Human Resources, it became apparent that Ms. Aines had been performing duties beyond those identified in the previous job description. On a motion by Jo hn T. Flannery; Seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; the Board unanimously approved the updated job description for Chief Registrar (Voting). The Commissioners presented a check to Ms. Amy Hicks for the United Way Campaign for the employee dress down fundraiser that was held in September. Keri Kenney, HR Coordinator, presented a summary of the County's 2026 United Way campaign and employee fundraising efforts. She provided background information on the United Way of Franklin County, noting its longstandi ng mission of bringing together community members, businesses, local government, and community leaders to address local needs and improve quality of life. She reported that the campaign included several fundraising activities, generating $635.00 through the employee dress-down fundraiser, $212.00 through candy gram sales, $170.00 through a virtual bingo event, and $6,207.12 through employee pledge contributions. These efforts resulted in a total campaign contribution of $7,224.12, exceeding the campaig n goal of $7,000.00. She stated that 139 employees from 26 departments participated in the campaign. She recognized the top contributing offices as the Commissioners' Office, Fiscal and Procurement, Children and Youth Services, Human Resources, and MH/IDD/EI. She also noted that prize and paid time off drawings would be announced separately. She expressed appreciation for the generosity of County employees, particularly given current financial challenges, and th anked all participants for their support of the campaign. She then introduced Amy Hicks of the United Way to offer additional remarks. Ms. Amy Hicks thanked the County Commissioners and County employees for their support of the United Way of Franklin County and the organization's community programs. She introduced Jackie Fisher, who had recently joined the United Way team and would be working with the County. She recognized Ms. Kenney for her leadership and coordination of the County's annual United Way campaign, noting her early engagement in launching the campaign and her efforts in organizing fundraising activities such as dress-down days and employee events. Ms. Hicks also acknowledged the County's strong partnership with the United Way, highlighting the involvement of several County representatives in leadership roles within the organization. She expressed appreciation for the generosity of County employees and thanked all contributors for making the United Way campaign a priority despite competing financial demands. She stated that the County's continued support played an important role in helping the United Way serve the community. Ms. Fisher, Community Coordinator for the United Way of Franklin County, introduced herself and stated that she had assumed the role earlier in the year. She noted that she was already working with the County on community initiatives, including Stuff the Bus, and advised that preparations for the Winter Warmth program would be forthcoming. Ms. Fisher thanked the County for its support and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity t o work with County staff in the future. Ms. Hicks expressed appreciation for the County's support of the United Way of Franklin County beyond its annual campaign contributions. She highlighted the County's participation in community initiatives such as Stuff the Bus, which collects school supplies for loc al students, and noted the County's ongoing support of the upcoming Winter Warmth drive, which provides cold-weather supplies and food assistance to individuals and families in need. She thanked the Commissioners and County employees for their continued in volvement and partnership throughout the year, stating that the County consistently played a leading role in supporting United Way programs and community outreach efforts. Commissioner Horst thanked Ms. Hicks for her leadership of the United Way of Franklin County and welcomed Ms. Fisher to her new role. He commended the organization for its service to the community and expressed appreciation for its ongoing partnership with the County. He also recognized Ms. Kenney for her efforts in coordinating the County's United Way campaign and thanked County employees for their continued generosity and participation in charitable giving initiatives. He noted that employee contributions helped support important community progra ms and expressed appreciation for their commitment to helping others. Commissioner Flannery commended Ms. Kenney for her work coordinating the County's United Way campaign and thanked County employees for their continued generosity and support of charitable initiatives. He expressed appreciation for the employees' contributions and their commitme nt to helping the community. He also thanked Ms. Hicks for her leadership and dedication to the United Way of Franklin County, noting the positive impact of her work throughout Franklin County. He welcomed Ms. Fisher to her new role and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the U nited Way team, encouraging them to continue their work serving the community. Commissioner Ziobrowski noted that each of the County Commissioners had previously served on the board of the United Way of Franklin County, giving them firsthand knowledge of the organization's work and impact within the community. He also recognized the efforts of County managers and employees who actively participated in fundraising activities and community support initiatives. He thanked both the United Way representatives and County employees for their continued commitment to serving the community. Ms. Gray introduced Tressia Day to present the Ombudsman program to keep everyone well acquainted with t he different programs with their emerging trends, topics of interest and any concerns they may have. She emphasized that individuals residing in long-term care facilities retain their rights, including the rights to dignity, privacy, choice, self-determination, and to have their voices heard. Ms. Day stated that protecting resident rights was a shared res ponsibility among residents, family members, caregivers, administrators, advocates, volunteers, and community leaders. She stressed that resident rights should be reflected in everyday interactions through respectful communication, honoring personal choices, safeguarding privacy, and addressing concerns in a meaningful manner. Ms. Day highlighted several key resident rights, including the right to receive understandable information, participate in decisions affecting their lives, maintain privacy and confidentiality, and report concerns or file complaints without fear of retaliation. She noted that complaints should be viewed as opportunities to identify and address issues and improve services. She encouraged residents and families to remain informed, ask questions, and advocate for their rights. She also recognized the important role of long-term care providers in ensuring residents were treated with dignity and respect. She concluded by thanking the C ommissioners for supporting the Ombudsman Program and encouraged the community to view Resident Rights Month as a reminder of the importance of protecting the dignity, choices, safety, privacy, and voices of long-term care residents every day. Commissioner Horst thanked Ms. Day for her presentation and for the work of the Ombudsman Program. He stated that the program played an important role in advocating for residents who needed additional assistance and ensuring their concerns were heard. He expressed appreciation for Ms. Day and her team's efforts in serving and supporting long-term care residents throughout the community. Commissioner Flannery thanked Ms. Day for her presentation and asked whether the Ombudsman Program assisted residents and families with issues involving paperwork, legal documents, and government benefits. He described a situation involving a long-term care resident with early-stage dementia whose Social Security payments had stopped. Although the resident's daughter held power of attorney, the Social Security Administration would not discuss the matter with her and required direct communication with the resident. He noted that the issue was eventually resolved but questioned what resources or assistance would be available to a resident facing a similar situation without a family member or advocate to provide support. Ms. Day explained that the Ombudsman Program sometimes assisted with concerns involving paperwork and legal matters; however, the program did not automatically rely on powers of attorney for consent. She stated that ombudsmen typically obtained consent directly from residents, often through verbal communication or oth er indications of agreement, such as a nod or hand squeeze. Ms. Day further explained that when issues involved legal paperwork or matters beyond the scope of the Ombudsman Program, staff would refer residents or their representatives to appropriate individuals or agencies that could provide the necessary assistanc e. She noted that, in those situations, the Ombudsman Program would step back from direct involvement and help connect residents with appropriate resources. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked Ms. Day whether there was a need for additional volunteer o mbudsmen within the program. He referenced volunteer Brendan Finucane and his years of service and inquired whether the Ombudsman Program continued to seek volunteers to assist with its work. Ms. Day confirmed that the Ombudsman Program ha s a need for additional volunteers and stated that plans were underway to organize a volunteer fair the following year in collaboration with Ms. Hurley to recruit volunteers for the Ombudsman Program and other aging services programs. She explained that regular facility visits by volunteer O mbudsmen were important because they allowed residents to become familiar and comfortable with the individuals advocating on their behalf. She noted that building trust with residents encouraged them to share concerns and complaints. She further stated that many residents were initially hesitant to voice complaints because of fear or uncertainty about the Ombudsman Program, and that increased volunteer presence in facilities helped foster communication and strengthen resident advocacy. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked how members of the public who viewed the meeting online could contact the Ombudsman Program if they were interested in serving as volunteer O mbudsmen. Ms. Day stated that individuals interested in volunteering with the Aging Services Office, including the Ombudsman Program, could apply through the County website. She explained that applicants should navigate to the Human Services section, select Aging Services, and co mplete the volunteer application. Applicants could then indicate the specific program in which they wished to volunteer, such as the Ombudsman Program, Home-Delivered Meals, or other aging-related services. She noted that completed applications were forwarded to her office for processing and follow-up. Ms. Gray referenced a budget presentation previously provided by the County's fiscal and finance staff regarding the proposed 2027 budget. She noted that Fiscal Director Janelle Friese was present and requested direction from the Commissioners regarding supplemental funding amounts. Ms. Gray stated that, if the Commissioners had decisions or additional discussion on budget parameters, staff were prepared to receive that guidance for incorporation into the ongoing budget development process. Ms. Friese reviewed the financial projections that had been presented two weeks earlier. She reported that the projected 2026 year-end results showed an estimated $1.7 million contribution to reserves, indicating that the County was performing favorably fi nancially. She further reported that the preliminary 2027 budget projected the use of approximately $1.4 million from reserves. Based on those projections, the County's General Fund reserve balance was expected to remain at approximately $15.1 million, which exceeded the County's target reserve level of 60 to 90 days of operating expenditures. She stated that the next step in the budget development process was to determine the availability of funding for supplemental requests and requested guidance from the Commissioners regarding supplemental funding parameters for the 2027 budget. Commissioner Horst thanked Ms. Friese for the budget presentation and clarification regarding reserve projections. He then asked whether the County had allocated $2.5 million for supplemental funding in the previous budget cycle, seeking confirmation of the amount used as a benchmark for current budget discussions. Ms. Friese stated that was correct. He stated that, based on the financial information presented, the County was in a strong financial position. He noted that approximately $2.5 million had been set aside for supplemental funding in the prior budget cycle and recommended reducing that amount to $2 mi llion for the upcoming budget. He expressed the opinion that the reduced amount was reasonable and reflected the County's efforts to maintain fiscal responsibility while keeping the budget in line. He indicated that he was interested in hea ring the views of the other Commissioners regarding the recommendation. Commissioner Flannery stated he thought the number was reasonable and Commissioner Ziobrowski agreed. Ms. Gray referenced the recent election equipment procurement process and noted that the Commissioners had opened bids for delivery of election equipment several weeks earlier. She stated that additional follow-up information related to that procurement was being presented and introduced Ms. Robin Harmon, Director of Procurement, and Ms. Susan Christophel, Director of Elections, to provide further information and recommendations. Ms. Harmon provided an update regarding the election equipment procurement process. She reported that the Commissioners had previously opened bids and approved the award recommendation. Howe ver, when County staff contacted the selected vendor to complete the final contract execution, the vendor declined to sign the contract. She advised that, following the vendor's decision, the Elections and Property Management Departments worked together to evaluate alternative options. She stated that staff developed a plan to complete the project using County resources if necessary and recommended moving forward with the in-house approach as an alternative to the original contract arrangement. Ms. Gray advised the Commissioners that no formal motion or additional action was required regarding the delivery of the election equipment. She stated that, provided the Commissioners were comfortable with staff's recommendation to proceed with the alternative in- house approach, County staff would move forward accordingly. Commissioner Horst a sked whether election equipment deliveries were being handled in-house using County employees.Ms.Christophel stated that the County would rent vehicles and use Proper ty Management staff, along with employee volunteers from across the County, to deliver the election equipment.Commissioner Horst commented that the proposed approach appeared to result in cost savings and stated that he had no objection to the plan. Commissioner Ziobrowski noted that the County's previous vendor was no longer available due to the company going out of business and asked what issue prevented the other company from signing the contract.Ms. Harmon explained that the issue involved the County's indemnification language and suggested that the vendor may not have fully understood the governmental contracting requirements. She stated that the County planned to follow up with the company to discuss the m atter and work toward a smoother process in the future. Commissioner Horst stated that if the in-house delivery process proved successful, operated smoothly, and attracted sufficient employee volunteers, it may be worth considering as a long-term approach in the future. The meeting was adjourned at 1 0:47 a.m. o n a motion by John T. Flannery; Seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski. Carrie E. Gray County Administrator/Chief Clerk FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ____________________________________ Dean A. Horst, Chairman ____________________________________ John T. Flannery ___________________________________ Robert G. Ziobrowski *May be assisted by Copilot